Rabbi Dov Lando, co-chair of the Slobodke Yeshiva in Bnei Brak, has drawn criticism for his rulings opposing conscription into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) among ultra-Orthodox Jews. His stance has sparked debate about the intersection of religious law, ethical responsibility, and national service in Israel.
Halacha, the comprehensive framework of Jewish law, generally prioritizes the preservation of human life above virtually all other commandments. This principle, known as pikuach nefesh, allows for exceptions to customary religious observance, such as driving a woman in labor to a hospital on the Sabbath or consuming non-kosher food to save a critically ill person. Critics argue that this principle should similarly apply to military service, particularly given Israel’s ongoing security challenges and the existential threat faced by its population of approximately 10 million.
Against this backdrop, Rabbi Lando’s repeated advisories against serving in the IDF have generated tension within ultra-Orthodox communities. Media reports indicate some young men eager to enlist confront opposition not only from family members but also from Lando himself, who urges adherence to Torah study over military service. Many parents, prioritizing familial harmony, direct their sons to consult with Lando, who encourages maintaining traditional religious study as a way of life.
The Slobodke Yeshiva, with roots tracing back nearly 145 years to its original establishment in Lithuania, has maintained a presence in Israel since 1947, focusing equally on Torah study and ethics. This raises questions about whether Lando’s rulings conflict with the yeshiva’s ethical teachings, particularly in the context of encouraging evasion of conscription during a period perceived by many as a state of emergency.
The issue also touches on the broader question of legal and ethical obligation to the state. Observers note that undermining conscription in Israel may be viewed as a breach of civic duty and an ethical lapse, especially in a country where national security is a constant concern. Some religious Zionist soldiers reconcile their military service with ongoing Torah study, suggesting a coexistence of religious and national commitments. Meanwhile, dissenting groups within the Haredi community assert that such decisions should be governed by conscience rather than edicts issued by senior rabbis.
The influence of religious authorities like Lando remains significant within ultra-Orthodox society, where rabbis are often seen as unquestioned sources of wisdom and guidance. However, there are signs of evolving attitudes regarding other religious directives, such as restrictions on technology use, with many community members reportedly resisting strict prohibitions on mobile phones and internet access. This resistance highlights an ongoing negotiation within the community between tradition and modernity.
Whether Rabbi Lando’s opposition to military service will maintain its hold over the wider ultra-Orthodox population remains uncertain. His critics challenge his views as both inconsistent with Jewish legal principles that prioritize life and ethically problematic given Israel’s security realities. The debate underscores the complex interplay between religious authority, individual conscience, and national obligation in Israeli society.